SAN ANTONIO — Early voting begins Tuesday in the Republican and Democratic primary elections.

Gov. Rick Perry's decision not to seek re-election has spawned a scramble for the GOP nomination to numerous statewide offices. Attorney General Greg Abbott is vacating his post to run for governor, and other statewide officeholders are seeking to move up the ladder.

Additionally, Bexar County judicial posts have attracted a large number of candidates.

Regardless of which candidates you support or which primary you prefer, we urge all eligible voters to cast a ballot.

Early voting continues through Feb. 28, and casting your vote early is more convenient than voting on Election Day. Election Day is March 4.

The party nominees selected in the primaries will be on the general election ballot in November. In many cases, the primary will determine who wins an office because of a lack of opposition from the other party.